How Fire and Water Monitoring Systems Could Have Prevented Property Damages in the GTA
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is one of the most populous regions in Canada, with a growing number of commercial, residential, and industrial properties. Unfortunately, this also means a higher risk of fire and water damage, which can have devastating consequences on people’s lives and properties. In this article, we will examine how much fire and water damages were preventable during 2020 and 2022 in the GTA, only if proper monitoring systems were installed.
Fire Damages in the Greater Toronto Area
Fires can occur at any time and in any place, and the GTA is not an exception. According to the Toronto Fire Services, in 2020, there were 1097 fires reported in the City of Toronto, resulting in 16 fatalities and 99 injuries. In 2022, the number of fires decreased slightly, with 1,051 fires reported, but the damages were more severe, resulting in 23 fatalities and 109 injuries.
While some fires are accidental and unpredictable, many can be prevented or contained if proper monitoring systems are installed. Fire and sprinkler monitoring systems, for instance, can detect fires early, activate sprinklers automatically, and alert authorities and occupants promptly, reducing the risk of injuries, fatalities, and property damage.
To illustrate how much fire damage could have been prevented in the GTA if proper monitoring systems were installed, we will examine two case studies.
Case Study 1: Warehouse Fire in Mississauga, Ontario
On May 4, 2020, a massive fire broke out in a warehouse located in Mississauga, Ontario. The fire spread quickly, fueled by flammable materials stored in the warehouse, and caused significant damage to the building and neighbouring properties. Over 120 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, and it took them several hours to bring the fire under control.
The investigation revealed that the warehouse did not have a proper monitoring system, such as a fire and sprinkler monitoring system, in place. As a result, the fire went undetected for several hours, causing extensive damage and putting many lives at risk.
If the warehouse had a proper monitoring system in place, the fire could have been detected and contained early, reducing the damages and the risks to firefighters and occupants. Moreover, the system could have alerted authorities promptly, facilitating a quicker response and reducing the impact on neighbouring properties.
Case Study 2: Apartment Building Fire in Toronto, Ontario
On June 18, 2022, a fire broke out in an apartment building located in the St. James Town neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The fire spread rapidly, fueled by combustible materials in the building, and caused extensive damage to the upper floors. The fire department responded quickly, but the lack of proper monitoring systems made it difficult to contain the fire.
The investigation revealed that the apartment building did not have a proper monitoring system, such as smoke detectors or fire alarms, in place. As a result, the fire went undetected for some time, allowing it to spread and causing more damage.
If the apartment building had a proper monitoring system in place, such as smoke detectors or fire alarms, the fire could have been detected early, and the damages could have been minimized. The system could have also alerted occupants promptly, facilitating a quicker evacuation and reducing the risks of injuries and fatalities.
Water Damages in the Greater Toronto Area
Water damages are also prevalent in the GTA, and it can result from various sources, such as flooding, burst pipes, or leaking roofs. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, water damages are the leading cause of property insurance claims in Canada, accounting for over 40% of all claims.
While some water damages are unavoidable, many can be prevented or minimized if proper monitoring systems are installed. Water monitoring systems, for instance, can detect leaks or flooding early, alerting property owners or managers, and preventing further damages.
To illustrate how much water damage could have been prevented in the GTA if proper monitoring systems were installed, we will examine two case studies.
Case Study 1: Flooding in a Condominium in Toronto, Ontario
On August 11, 2020, heavy rainfall caused flooding in a condominium located in Toronto, Ontario. The flooding affected several floors, causing significant damage to the units and common areas. The property manager had to evacuate the residents temporarily and hire a restoration company to repair the damages.
The investigation revealed that the condominium did not have a proper monitoring system, such as a water detection system or flood sensors, in place. As a result, the property manager was unaware of the flooding until it was too late, causing more damage and inconveniences to the residents.
If the condominium had a proper monitoring system in place, such as a water detection system or flood sensors, the flooding could have been detected early, and the damages could have been minimized. The system could have also alerted the property manager promptly, facilitating a quicker response and reducing the impact on the residents.
Case Study 2: Burst Pipe in a Commercial Building in Brampton, Ontario
On February 3, 2022, a burst pipe caused water damage in a commercial building located in Brampton, Ontario. The pipe burst in the early morning, flooding several floors and causing damage to the equipment and inventory. The property owner had to shut down the business temporarily and hire a restoration company to repair the damages.
The investigation revealed that the commercial building did not have a proper monitoring system, such as a water detection system or flow meters, in place. As a result, the property owner was unaware of the burst pipe until it was too late, causing more damages and financial losses.
If the commercial building had a proper monitoring system in place, such as a water detection system or flow meters, the burst pipe could have been detected early, and the damages could have been minimized. The system could have also alerted the property owner promptly, facilitating a quicker response and reducing the impact on the business.
The GTA is prone to fire and water damage, which can have devastating consequences on people’s lives and properties. While some damages are unavoidable, many can be prevented or minimized if proper monitoring systems are installed. Fire and sprinkler monitoring systems can detect fires early, activate sprinklers automatically, and alert authorities and occupants promptly, reducing the risk of injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Water monitoring systems can detect leaks or flooding early, alerting property owners or managers, and preventing further damages. The case studies presented in this article demonstrate how much damage could have been prevented in the GTA if proper monitoring systems were installed. Therefore, it is essential for property owners, managers, and tenants to invest in reliable and efficient monitoring systems to enhance their safety and protect their assets.
